Welcome to the official training blog of ulcerative colitis survivor Tom Meersman!
The purpose of this blog is to keep you informed of my progress training to run a half-marathon for ulcerative colitis on July 20, 2008 in Napa, California. You gave money to help me get there, you deserve to know how I'm doing!
On January 16, 2008 I had my ileostomy taken down allowing me to go to the bathroom like a normal person again. I weighed 140.5 lbs. and had the energy of a tortoise. This is my progress since then.
Monday March 31, 2008
Weight: 163.5 lbs. Call me Tugboat!
Goal has been reached!!! A big thank you to everyone that has donated. It is greatly appreciated. I can't believe I was able to raise the money that quickly! Remember though $3800 was the bare minimum that I needed to raise to get me out to California to run in the race, but it is by no means a cap on how much I can raise. Any donation is still greatly appreciated as the money goes to finding a cure for ulcerative colitis. So please, keep donating.
I decided to take the entire weekend off from working out. It wasn't really intentional, but that's the way that it played out. I left to go workout at 4:30 on Saturday and when I got in the car and pulled out my membership card to Cardinal Fitness, I saw that they closed at 5 on Saturdays. I thought it was 7. I wasn't about to go for a half-hour, so I just decided to not go at all. I do not have an excuse for not going on Sunday, I just didn't go. I still lifted some weights at home on both days, but I didn't get any running in.
This morning I went to Cardinal Fitness and got some decent working out in. I was lifting next to a gentleman in cut-off sleeves who was quite a bit stronger than I. This was somewhat intimidating and I walked around a little bit to other machines that he wasn't using so I didn't have to lift next to him. The problem was that he was rapidly rotating back and forth between like 6 different machines, so he was all over the place. I just couldn't shake this guy! But I got some lifting in and it felt good.
Runningwise, (is runningwise a word?) I went for 2.06 miles on the treadmill. It took me 23 minutes and 45 seconds to do this 2.06 miles. That left me at an average pace of 5.19 mph. I was again was inhibited by my need to go to and get ready for work. Not to mention this blog needed to be updated and I know people would have my head if I didn't get it done before work. MY HEAD! So, I had to cut it short to come home and finish all that needed finishing. I wasn't really disappointed though. Some days you are just feeling it and you want to run forever. Today wasn't one of those days. I never really got into a groove and it was really pretty boring running. It may have been because FOX News was on the TV in front of me and not Saved By the Bell. Screech is much easier to workout to than the genealogy of Barack Obama and Brad Pitt that was being talked about today.
So, measly workout at best, but a measly workout is still a workout. Anything helps. Full training with the training people via the phone starts soon. Talk to everybody in April.
Friday March 28, 2008
Weight: 162.5 lbs.
I didn't go work out at all yesterday. I figured after that 4.08 mile hike that I did on Wednesday I deserved a day off.
I went to Cardinal this morning before work and was still kind of sore from that 4.08. I decided to take it a little easy today. I went for 1.75 miles on the treadmill. Just a light little workout. But really, any workout is a workout, so even a light workout isn't a negative.
Thanks to everyone that listened to me on Stone & Double T on Wednesday. I have received feedback from numerous people about how superb it was and I appreciate that.
I have to get ready for work now, so short blog today.
Wednesday March 26, 2008
Weight: 162 lbs. I seemed to have adjusted from the steak, egg, & cheese bagel I had yesterday from Mike's. Mike Donald's. McDonald's.
I will be on the radio with Stone & Double T today @ 5 p.m. on 104.9 on your FM dial. They mentioned at the beginning of their show that I would be stopping by, so obviously people are clamoring for this appearance.
Yesterday I promised that I wouldn't use the excuse that I had to stop running prematurely because of work. I honestly feel that I can always go longer, but due to time constraints, I am forced to stop. Today there were no time constraints, and there was no stopping me either! I ran/walked for 47:54. That's right I did almost 48 minutes of non-stop activity. I went for 4.08 miles at an average pace of 5.11 mph. BY FAR the farthest/longest I have gone since I started this training 3 weeks ago. I felt great afterwards too.
It was the first time I gathered up a real sweat. I didn't really like that because the sweat was dripping in my eyes and I would have to wipe it away and then I would stumble on my feet and it was just annoying. But, I guess sweating kind of comes with the territory of running and there's really not a whole lot that can be done about it. I'm not wearing a headband when I run. Ain't gonna do it.
I kept testing my limits to see how far I could go at a fast pace and I was pleasantly surprised at how well I could do. I went for half a lap at a pace of 10 mph. I'm not sure if I could've sustained this pace just running outside. On a treadmill when you get going that fast and you're out of shape, you're more or less running for survival. If I would've misstepped, or not been able to keep up the pace, I would've fallen flat on my face and been sent flying backwards. That would've hurt and it would've messed up the appearance of my face, I want neither of those things to happen, so I forced myself to run faster and faster, just to stay alive. As it turns out, I lived.
I lifted before & after I ran today. That will cover my Wheel of Fortune before & after for the day, mostly because I ran out of B&A's to say with Cardinal Fitness. I could have a lot more if I went with Cardinals, but that's not the name of the place, so I refuse to stoop that low.
Overall, great day of working out. I accomplished the goal I set for myself yesterday of being able to go farther and longer than I had before. It's great when goals come to fruition, much like when I cross the finish line at the half-marathon in Napa.
Listen to the radio today. 104.9. 5 p.m.
Tuesday March 25, 2008
Weight: 161.5 pounds before I had the steak, egg, & cheese bagel meal from McDonald's. 163.5 after I had the steak, egg, & cheese bagel meal from McDonald's. Take that for what you will. I have no regrets about eating it, it was delicious.
I went the Brian Cardinal Fitness (before & after for you Wheel of Fortune and/or Purdue Boilermaker fans. I will quickly run out of Before & Afters) at 6:30 this morning. Lifted first. Ran Second. I like it. I also like lifting more than I like running. Too bad I'm not doing a lift-a-thon. Maybe a 13.1 pound lift-a-thon. I could do that easily. I looked at myself in the mirror a little bit at Cardinal Fitness and I can definitely tell that I'm not the skinny little twerp that I was for so long. I'm getting some bulk back. After the first surgery I was tiny. If I had a bum leg they would call me Tiny Tom. Now I'm getting bigger, filling out my body, and showing less ribs. No longer will I run in fear every time someone pulls out barbecue sauce.
I did 2.08 miles today on the treadmill. Once again I feel I could've done much more, but it was a case of me running out of time before work. I wish I could work around my workout schedule. That would be ideal. This also could just be an elaborate excuse on my part. Maybe I really couldn't go for a longer run and I'm just saying that as a justification in my mind. We will find out tomorrow because I am not going to workout before work. I am done with work at 12:15 p.m. and will be going to Cardinal Fitness afterwards. Now I won't have to worry about having to leave so I can shower and get ready for work. I will just be able to run and run and run. We shall see how far I can make it. No excuses, all I have on my hands is time...and the fates of millions of colitites (people with colitis).
There was an article about my in today's Rockford Register Star. It can be viewed online here http://www.rrstar.com/news/gtkm/x79613194
It's hard to really gauge how incredibly attractive I am by that picture. I think they should've just put up a picture of my scar. That would've been much better, but I'm not the editor.
I will be on the radio with Stone & Double T on WXRX tomorrow @ around 5 p.m. We will be talking about my half-marathon and probably numerous other events. You can tune in on the radio dial if you're in the Rockford area at 104.9 FM. If you aren't in the Rockford area you can listen online at http://www.wxrx.com/pages/299457.php
Plenty of activity in the world of colitis-filled half-marathons.
Monday March 24, 2008
Weight: 162 pounds. Apparently that huge ham my mom made for Easter helped me pack on some pounds. When I say huge ham that my mom made, I actually mean the half pound of bacon that I made my mom and I for lunch. There was no ham, but plenty of bacon. Boy oh boy!
I hope everyone had a very pleasant Easter. Apparently the Easter Bunny doesn't come to people who don't have colons, because the EB was nowhere to be found yesterday when it came to the Meersman household.
Went to the Stanford Cardinal Fitness (before & after for you Wheel of Fortune fans) at 6:30 this morning. I again lifted and then ran. I think that might be my new thing. It gets me loosened up before I step on the mill to tread. I went for 1.75 miles today. I really think I could've done more, a lot more, but I was pressed for time. I'm starting to question going before work because it always feels like I am rushed then. I have to quit in enough time to go home, shower, get dressed, eat some breakfast and then go to work. I worry about that stuff instead of focusing on working out. We'll see if anything changes.
I was interviewed by the Rockford Register Star today about my marathon training. There will be a column about me in the paper either tomorrow or Wednesday. So keep your eyes peeled for that one.
I played basketball on Saturday for the first time in a year and a half. It felt great competing athletically. I was a little scared of getting banged in the belly, but everything went smoothly. I would like to get back in the habit of playing more often, it'll help me get back in shape, plus it's a heck of a lot more fun than just running.
Saturday March 22, 2008
Weight: 157.5 pounds. Apparently not eating meat yesterday had more of an effect on me than I thought because I'm down some serious poundage. For some reason not eating meat on Fridays during Lent is the only rule non-practicing Catholics need to follow.
Went to Cardinal Fitness at 9 this morning. It was by far the most crowded it has ever been when I've been there. Contrary to my usual routine, I decided to take the route of lifting first and then running. Usually while lifting I concentrate on the upper body, but today I decided to try some leg lifts too. I found out that my left leg is stronger than my right leg. That seemed odd to me that it was easier to lift with the left leg being that my right arm is so much stronger than my left arm. I figured it would carry over to the legs, but apparently not. I guess it must be from all those times from the last year and a half when I got a tube for a colonoscopy or some other projectile stuck up my butt, they always made me turn over to the left side. I guess all that turning to that side made my legs stronger. Who knew?
On to the running: I went for 2.32 miles today on the treadmill. Felt pretty good afterwards. I would've kept going but I got really thirsty and didn't have water with me. I could've gone to the drinking fountain, got water, and then resumed, but that's not my style. I discovered that it's tough watching that TV that's right in front of your face because it's so bouncy. It's always going up and down with every step you take. It almost gives you motion sickness.
I think they're supposed to be starting conference calls for training purposes for the half-marathon soon, so I'll have somewhat of an idea of exactly how I'm supposed to be working out. As of right now I just do whatever I feel like, but it will be nice to have a goal so I can gauge my progress.
I wore my Crohn's and Colitis Team Challenge shirt to work out in today. Felt pretty sweet showing off my team colors. I like throwing the colitis flag out there. It'll be nice to see if somebody ever comes up to me and says, "Hey, I gots me some colitis too!" I would enjoy that. Colitisfolk need to stick together.
Cardinal Fitness is closed tomorrow due to the Easter holiday. Apparently Jesus didn't work out the day he rose from the dead. So, neither will I.
Thursday March 20, 2008
Weight: Unknown
Four months exactly until race day. I will be in shape for it.
I went and worked out this morning. I ran/walked for 13 minutes. Mornings are tough now. I used to like them, now I like to sleep. I may have to switch up my routine, I don't know. When I go work out in the morning I always feel like I'm rushed to get to work and I hate the feeling of being rushed. So I don't know, we'll see. I have four month to experiment.
UCLA is my pick to win the final four.
Tuesday March 18, 2008
Weight: 160.5 lbs. Still getting bigger.
I went to Cardinal at 6:30 this morning. It was probably the last thing that I wanted to do. I wasn't feeling the workout this morning and all I wanted to do was sleep. But, as I told my mom before I left it's the testament of a true champion to workout when he doesn't want to. So I went anyway.
I decided to try a little something different on the treadmill today and I had it include inclines in my running. It was a little different running up some slight hills as opposed to just a straight level track. I figured it would help me running through the hills of Napa. I went 1.85 miles running/walking and I felt good afterwards. I just wish that I wouldn't be so tired.
I lifted a little bit too. All in all it was a boring day, much like this blog entry.
Monday March 17, 2008
Weight: 160 lbs. This is the first time that I have hit the 160 mark in a looooong time. It has been two months and one day since my second surgery and I have put on nearly 20 pounds. I am happy about that. I don't think I'm nearly as scrawny as I was. I'm starting to get back to form. I still have another 20 pounds to go before I am at a weight that I consider normal for me.
I went to Cardinal at 7 this morning. The intensity of my workout today wasn't as vigorous as it was yesterday. At this point since I'm still in the beginning stages of training, it's hard to put two extremely quality days together in a row. I'm still not disappointed in my performance though. I went 1.61 miles in run/walk mode without stopping. My goal over the course of the next week is to have the run portion of my run/walk increase greatly. So far I've just been getting my heart rate up with the constant movement and getting my lungs accustomed to working out; now I want to slowly start testing myself by running for longer stretches. After all I do plan to run the 13.1 miles. I don't understand how people walk a half-marathon, it would take like 12 hours to complete. I'd get bored. I think I don't run for as long as I want because I have a problem where my eyes are fixated on the screen showing my progress around the track. I just sit there and stare at it and it seems like I never move along. I think if I just watch the TV in front of me instead of the screen I would be able to run a lot further. As my mom always says, and I mean like says at least 6 times a day, "A watched pot never boils." I think my problem is a need to focus on other things while I'm running and just let the running come naturally. I've I could take a nap while I run that would be great.
I sat down at the machine to do some bicep curls and ten seconds after I sat down a guy sat down at the other bicep machine right next to me. This left me feeling a little uncomfortable because people in general are stronger than me and can lift more. I don't like to feel inferior when I'm lifting, but I couldn't just walk away because I had just sat down. I would much prefer to rent out Cardinal Fitness all to myself when I go. I still lifted though with this behemoth of a man lifting next to me, and I held my own.
Sunday March 16, 2008
Weight: Unknown
First off I would just like to apologize to those of you who have tried to access the site this weekend and have been unsuccessful. There is something wrong with the server that hosts my website and I am rapidly getting fed up with it. I have decided to give it one more chance and if it happens again I will have no choice but to host my website at a different place. My apologies for any inconvenience in getting your Tom Meersman news.
I took Friday and Saturday off from working out for really no good reason whatsoever. In my race manual that I got, it recommended that I take two days a week off from working out, so that's what I did.
I went to Cardinal this morning at 11:45. I ran/walked for 2.73 miles nonstop. It was by far by longest hike yet. I felt really good afterwards too, I probably could've made it up to three miles, but I didn't want to push myself too far. I still have 4 months to get into shape. Right now though I think I'm in excellent position to not only finish the race, but WIN it as well. Just kidding. But I do feel I'm in good shape.
My lifting is also going well. More details of that will come in like June when hopefully somebody will be able to tell by looking at me that I have been working out.
Thursday March 13, 2008Weight: 157.5 lbs. Fatboy?
Woke up and went to Cardinal at 7 this morning. I didn't have to work until 9:30, so I allowed myself to sleep in a little bit.
I did the walk/run combo for 21 minutes and 45 seconds today. For a distance of 1.67 miles. It wasn't as intensive of a workout as yesterday, but I don't view that as a disappointment. My wind felt great today, I wasn't struggling breathing nor did I have a tremendous wad of spit built up in my mouth. Those are all positive signs. My legs were a little sore today, that's why I wasn't able to crank it up a notch like I had hope to do. It's ok though, I just need to get used to the rigors of working out routinely. It appears laying on a couch for over a year took its toll on my physical toughness. I just need to build that back up, no biggie.
The run was eased a little bit by the fact that I was able to watch Screech be crowned Miss Bayside on the TV as I ran.
I received my race packet in the mail yesterday. It has all the info on the race and I got a FREE T-shirt with it! I needed another semi-plain white T.
I still like working out in the morning. It isn't fun to get up early when you don't absolutely "have" to, but now I'm done and don't have to worry about it when I come home. Plus I'm getting to the point where I feel good after a workout. That will only be a benefit to me when it comes to actually working out.
Wednesday March 12, 2008Weight: 156.5 lbs. On the rise.
I went to Cardinal Fitness at 6 this morning. I ran/walked for 25 minutes and 54 seconds without stopping. By far my longest time of continual cardiac activity in years. I went over 2 miles and felt good afterwards. I was forced to walk for some of it because I cranked it up a little bit. But I would run, walk, run, walk, run. I got the heart rate fluctuating which was good. I think I'm doing well. I just need to be able to consistently get my ability to hold a run up. Just a matter of me getting my wind back.
Tuesday March 11, 2008
Weight: Unknown. Forgot to weigh myself again
No working out today. I was going to go when I was done with work at 6:15, but then I realized that American Idol was on at 7. American Idol ruins my life, I hate it. I can't miss an episode, but it simply is just on too often. It's on like 30 hours a week. It is ridiculous and it causes a severe lack of productivity in my life. I hate it.
Monday March 10, 2008
Weight: Unknown. I forgot to weigh myself this morning and that is the only official weigh-in that I take. I was 159.5 lbs. at 7:30 p.m., but that doesn't count because that's not the weigh I do things.
I went to Cardinal Fitness at 8:15 tonight. It was my first time going at night. I like the mornings better because right now I am in the in between mode where I'm not sure if I should shower or not before I go to bed. When you wake up and go in the morning, you know you need to shower afterwards. Now it's like, "eh, who cares?"
I ran 1.2 miles without stopping. It was the farthest I have gone to date. That's really my greatest concern, to be able to always go farther than I had previously gone. I ran the majority of the mile at a 6mph pace. That is the equivalent of a ten minute mile. I finished the mile in about 10:45 because I spent the first part of it fiddling with getting my iPod to work. Once I was all set and had my tunes going, I cranked her up to 6mph.
I like listening to my music when I run and the more songs I get through while I'm running the more I feel I have accomplished. Tonight however my second song was Champagne Supernova, and that's like a 7 and a half minute song. It really put a damper on me getting through music. I feel the number of songs you get through on a run validates you as a runner more so than how many laps you run.
This was by far the hardest I have ran for the longest period of time. I had cranked it up to 6 before, but it never last long. I like being able to watch the screen tell me how far I've gone on a treadmill, but I have discovered a downside: You can't spit. If you know me, you know I love to spit. I had the biggest loogie the whole time, and I just couldn't hock it. It was very frustrating. I will have to work out a new system.
Overall, it was a nice step in the right direction. I will soon be up to 13.1 miles in no time.
Saturday March 8, 2008
Weight: 156 lbs.
No working out today. Cardinal Fitness is only open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend. I had to work at 7:15 a.m., therefore I didn't have the opportunity to go work out before work. I like working out before work because it's a great way to start the day, you feel refreshed when you're done, and it's out of the way. Not too mention it is much less crowded at 5 a.m. as opposed to 5 p.m. I am disappointed that I didn't work out today, but a day of rest probably wouldn't hurt as I am still not accustomed to physical activity. Hopefully tomorrow I will resume training.
Friday March 7, 2008
Weight: 156 lbs.
This morning I woke up at 5 a.m. I was at Cardinal Fitness by 5:20. It was my third day of working at Cardinal in preparation for my marathon. For the first time I was able to run a mile non stop. I started the run on the treadmill at the pace of 4/mph. Eventually I took it up for the last lap around the digital track to 6.5/mph. I lasted approximately 8 seconds at this pace. It was simply too much to handle, so I lowered it down to 6/mph and was much better at this pace. 6/mph is by no means fast. It is the equivalent of running at 10 minute mile. If I was really in shape I would be able to run a mile in under 7 minutes. I kept the 6/mph pace up for the entire last 1/4 mile. When I got to .9 miles I began feeding myself words of encouragement to help me finish the lap. All in all after 3 days of working out, with 4 1/2 months of training left to go, I feel pretty good about where I'm at.
I also pumped some iron. I will be more specific about these details when I become more buff. For now, this is a running focused blog, as I am training for a .5 marathon. Thanks in advance for your understanding.